How to Fix AV Receiver Remote Not Working

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Each device within your home theater setup (TV, A/V receiver, cable box, blu-ray or DVD player) will all come with their own remote controls.

While a universal remote control may not have all the buttons necessary to access certain settings or menus that you may want so you end up still needing the original remotes that came with your devices.

A common problem within home theater setups is that multiple remote controls can be necessary to get each device set properly. If you are working with the incorrect remote control, or a universal remote control that does not contain all the same buttons that the original device's remote control has, you may experience problems controlling the device you're attempting to work with.

This guide covers the remotes that were supplied with your home theater/surround sound devices.

Tools You'll Need:

• A paperclip
• iPhone charging cable
• Access to a computer with iTunes installed
• Any other non-consumable tools needed
• Comment out tools section if no tools are necessary

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Supplies You'll Need:

• Zip ties
• Any other consumable supplies
• Comment out supplies section if no supplies are necessary

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Before You Begin:

If You're Wanting to Fix a Universal Remote

• How to Fix a Universal Remote

Use the Right Remote for the Job

Ensure you have and are using the remote controller that came with the device you wish to control before you proceed.

2. Choose the Correct Remote

Each device within your home theater setup (TV, A/V receiver, cable box, blu-ray or DVD player) will all come with their own remote controls. The following steps in this guide will require that you have the remote control for each individual component you will be working with. A universal remote control may not have all the buttons necessary to access certain settings or menus that you may need.

A common problem within home theater setups is that multiple remote controls can be necessary to get each device set properly. If you are working with the incorrect remote control, or a universal remote control that does not contain all the same buttons that the original device's remote control has, you may experience problems controlling the device you're attempting to work with.

Ensure you have and are using the remote controller that came with the device you wish to control before you proceed.

3. Check the Batteries

Remotes need a charge to work. If your remote batteries are dead it isn't going to work.

For Remotes with Standard Batteries

1. Lift the back cover up and away from the remote.
2. Remove and re-insert the 2 batteries.
3. Replace the back cover on the remote, and slide down to click it into place.
   

1. If the remote fails to respond properly after this, replace the existing set of batteries with new ones.

For Remotes with Rechargeable Batteries

1. Place the remote onto its charging cradle, or connect its charging cable to begin charging the remote. This may vary depending on the model of remote you are working with. For example:
2. Logitech Harmony Elite cradle:
   

1. Logitech Harmony Touch cradle:
   

1. Logitech Harmony 1100 cradle:
   

1. Logitech Harmony 900 cradle:
   

1. Logitech Harmony 700 charging via micro USB cable:
   

4. Troubleshoot Remote

Your Home Theater system may or may not include a universal remote control that requires specific programming. Depending on what components your system has, these next steps may not apply to you.

Most Cable TV providers will provide a universal remote control like the ones shown above, or you may choose to purchase an aftermarket universal remote control that can be programmed to control your TV and other components. This allows you to cut down on the total number of remote controls you need to keep handy. Unfortunately, this also means that if things are not programmed properly, your universal remote's buttons may not control your TV or other devices the way it should.

Some things you can try if your remote control is not controlling things properly:

• Make sure there are no obstructions between the device you wish to control and the remote itself. Most remote controls use infrared (IR) technology, which means they need to be aimed directly at the device you want to control. If something is blocking the remote, your commands will not work.
• Always check the batteries in your remote control. There are no indicators that will let you know when battery life is running low. Low battery power can cause the remote to intermittently function, or not function at all.
• You may need to contact your Cable TV provider for specific instructions on how to ensure your universal remote control is programmed properly to control the specific equipment within your setup.
• In a pinch, you can always use the original remote that came with the device you wish to control. The remote controls that come with each device generally do not have to be programmed and should always function properly.